Airey’s inlet is about half way between Anglesea and Lorne on the magnificent Great Ocean Road nestled between a marine park and the Great Otway National Parkland. Airey’s is a hidden treasure with many people rushing to get to the big tourist towns missing out on the beautiful charm of this quaint friendly little town. Airey’s Inlet is a fantastic holiday destination and has so much to offer both as stop over point for people wishing to explore further along the Great Ocean Road or those wanting to kick back and take in the peace and quiet, fantastic beaches and tranquillity for a few days or even longer.
Airey’s Inlet hasn’t succumbed to the big developments; in fact the biggest thing is town is the “Old White Lady” or Split Point Light House which has been keeping an eyeful watch on the rugged coastline since 1891. The lighthouse is a focal point for the town and can be seen for miles as driving along the twists and turns of the Great Ocean Road. The lighthouse originally powered by vaporised kerosene now pumps out a whopping 1000 watts at night from its tungsten halogen lamp and can be seen 21 nautical miles out to sea, helping many a seafarer. Some say the Old White Lady is haunted but this doesn’t stop thrives of visitors taking the guided tour on weekends.
If you are interested in wildlife then Airey’s Inlet is the perfect place to see some of Australia’s most beautiful and interesting flora and fauna. Not only is Airey’s Inlet popular for whale and dolphin watching the surrounding bushlands which brought settlers to the region for timber is home to kangaroos, wallabies, possums, koalas, echidnas, reptiles and some amazing bird life including an array of colourful parrots.
The areas beautiful beaches are full of secluded sandy coves below high cliffs and perfect for rock pool swimming, snorkelling with plenty of fun in the sun. Some beaches have strong rips and like all surf can be very unpredictable. Summer months there are patrols on some beaches and all swimmers should only venture where patrols say it is safe.
Airey’s Inlet has something for everyone all year round, whether it be a family outing, a romantic getaway or with a few friends, there is so much to do and explore, there is great fishing and surfing, plenty of tracks for bush walking with tall timber and lush fern forests, cycling, horse riding and recently hang gliding and canoeing has become very popular in the area.
People visiting Airey’s Inlet should not miss the Angahook Bark Hut, which is a replica of a hut dating back to 1862. The original structure was destroyed in the horrific Ash Wednesday fires which destroyed much of the Great Ocean Road in February of 1983.
Just a few kilometres outside Airey’s Inlet towards Lorne on the Great Ocean Road you will cross Painkalec Creek into Fairhaven where you will see some of Australia’s most interesting beach house architecture including a world famous house up a huge concrete pole, which takes in 360 degree views of the surrounding bushland and coastline. Like Airey’s Inlet Fairhaven has plenty of accommodation including apartments, houses and luxury bed and breakfasts.
Airey’s Inlet is certainly one of the jewels of the Great Ocean Road and is only 120 kilometres or an hour and a half drive from the centre of Melbourne and about half an hour from central Geelong, it is perfect place for some laid back relaxation and enjoyment.
